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This is a very versatile, well-designed pack for a digital photographer with a laptop, camera and *some* accessories. There is even room left over for some clothes and other personal items! I looked around for something cheaper that would do what I want and nothing else came close. The build quality is also the best that I found.
The first reason you get a pack of any kind is the function. The function of this pack is for the serious digital photographer on the go that has a DSLR, 2-3 lenses, flash, LAPTOP, cords, batteries, memory cards, etc. The separate pocket for the laptop to me was a must so that you could pull it out at airport security checks without messing up everything else in the bag. It is well padded and has a side opening which is really smart it keeps out rain even when open and the weight of the bag will not pull it open as with top opening pockets. The bottom compartment is also adequately padded and compartmentalized for your camera equipment (again, keeping everything separate is nice). The compartments can be moved around due to the velcro. The bottom compartment has pleats that help it to "hinge" open for access when the pack is tight and it can be closed quickly with a fastex clip.
The top pocket is smaller than you would expect, considering that this is a pretty big backpack, but that is the price of a padded laptop and camera compartment. This compartment has one built-in and one removable memory card wallet. there is an additional mesh pocket to contain cords, etc. The rest of the space is adequate for a change of clothing packed tightly.
On the outside is a nifty fold-up tripod holder that is a not as useful as I thought it would be. If a good-sized tripod is in it, it is in the way of the bottom camera compartment and the pullout rain cover. You could attach a tripod to the right side (opposite side of the laptop opening), but that not nearly as sturdy. There are a few small, thin zipper pockets on the outside and two mesh pockets for a small bottle of water.
Finally, the straps are very good, curved ergonomically with a sternum clip and the waistbelt is also nicely padded. With a lot of effort the waistbelt can be taken off for casual use. The belt would be good for extended walking, hiking, biking.
The downsides to this bag are the price and moderately exessive weight, but these I think are worth it in the end to protect/carry several thousand dollars worth of equipment and do it well.
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I bought the Lowepro sligshot bag this Winter for a Ski trip and was impressed by it's build quality and ergonomics, so when I picked up a new laptop, I looked for a larger bag that I could load all of my gear in.The CompuRover fits all of my gear with a little extra space. The build quality is excellent, very sturdy, lots of padding for your expensive equiptment. The zippers are all metal and rubberized on important seams. The Tripod pocket and straps are strong and rugged I wouldn't be worried about carrying around a 5 10lb tripod with it. I was a little worried about the placement of the camera pocket on the bottom of the bag as my DSLR will be facing lense down. But there is ample padding, and the weight of the laptop actually goes behind the pocket, so there won't be any weight pressing down on your camera. The placement of the pocket is actually a godsend, as it sits in the small of your back and makes for a much more comfortable hike considering the weight of all of the gear you're hauling around. I have no regrets buying the bag, it's been worth it.
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I wanted a catch all type of camera bag that I could use to cut down on the amt. of bags when traveling. This is really really big as far as size-compared to what i'm used to. I was able to put my Canon Rebel XT w/ 17-55mm lens in it along w/ a macro & telephone lens & hoods plus all the cables, cards, etc. I originally got the bag for the additional computer compartment -it's a little tight but it fits. if you don't mind the "bulk" of this bag it's good. The top section holds my underwater camera & external flash & extra gear for that. It seems like no matter what i throw in this thing i still have room. on the down side, the zipper around the camera section only has one zip = it isn't a 2way zipper so that's burdensome. the bottom slides out like a cooler. weird. bottom line, it holds everything, it's studry & it's big.Honest reviews on Lowepro CompuRover AW Camera Bag (Black)
Pros:-Ample storage space
-Tripod holder stores tripod very securely
-Can carry larger laptops
-Comfortable to wear for extended periods of time
-All weather cover
Cons:
-Cumbersome shoelace design for tripod carrier
-Can't carry tripod and utilize all-weather cover
I've owned this bag for just over 2 years now and just sold it. The bag is very well made and while I didn't put it through much abuse, I am pretty certain it would hold up quite well. My main concern when choosing a bag was that it could carry my laptop, it's a bit large about 15" x 10" x 1.5" and the CompuRover carried it with plenty of room to spare. The bag is very comfortable even when loaded up pretty well. In a day-long trek around Chicago with my bag loaded pretty well and a tripod strapped on, I only began to feel it after several hours. Admittedly, I don't have much gear 350D, 70-200 f4L, Tamron 18-50, plus a few small accessories so if you have a lot of glass to haul around, it may take its toll on your back a bit quicker. One thing to consider with this bag is that it leaves quite a foot print when strapped on; more so if you're carrying a tripod. I had a difficult time negotiating my way on and off the El train to avoid hitting passengers. If you'll be in crowds then avoid carrying this bag with you common sense, I know, with a bag this big.
The bag's storage was a big selling point as I intended to use it as a day pack as well as a camera bag. It has plenty of room for snacks, light jacket, etc. I used it many a time as a diaper bag for trips to the zoo or park with my daughter.
One of my favorite features is also one that annoyed me a bit: the tripod carrier. It was great to carry it hands-free but the carrier itself utilizes a shoelace-like cord that tied down the tripod nicely, very secure, but when trying to put in or take out the tripod the clamps on the legs and the feet on the tripod would get a bit tangled with the cord. I don't really need to get out the tripod in a hurry but it was still a bit frustrating. The way the tripod carrier is attached also still allows access to your camera gear, just make sure to keep the zippers off to one side. Another downside to the tripod carrier is that you can't utilize it with the all-weather cover; it would've been nice to have additional velcro straps on the bottom to strap in the tripod so you could still carry it with the cover in place.
Another issue I had, and don't blame this on the bag, is I couldn't arrange the dividers in the bottom compartment in a fashion that allows me to carry my camera with the 70-200 attached and still have the dividers be sturdy enough to carry my other lens and gear securely. It may have been my lack of creativity with rearranging them, but the lack of rigidity in the dividers played a part I think. Again, not knocking the bag for this as it may have just been a lack of trying on my part.
I actually just sold the bag in favor of something smaller/lighter. I realized I don't really carry my laptop and tripod with me, but did want a bag that can carry my body + 70-200 attached and will allow quicker access. I'm giving the Slingshot 300 a try. Lowepro also has the FastPack 350 which has the quicker access and laptop storage but it gives up the tripod carrier and all-weather cover. The tripod carrier I don't need, but I can't give up the all-weather cover and the FastPack is only *slightly* smaller than the CompuRover.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my CompuRover experience, but ultimately I think I over estimated my needs so it just wasn't exactly the right bag for me but it worked out great when I could utilize it properly.
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If I could have looked at this bag in a store for two minutes I would have known not to buy it. I like everything about this bag except opening the camera compartment. I have the Rover AW II, which is very similar to this bag, so I knew you couldn't get to the camera gear fast, but this bag makes it even more awkward because of the laptop compartment. I wish they would put a zippered flap on the side of the bag for quick access to the camera like on the Lowepro Fastpack or Tamrac Aero Speed Pack.This bag looks nice and seems to be well made, I really want to keep it, but because it is so difficult to access the camera gear I am going to return it to Amazon.
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